slightly suspicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly suspicious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a mild level of doubt or concern about something or someone. Example: "Her sudden change in behavior made me feel slightly suspicious about her intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I wanted it to be slightly suspicious.

The Guardian - Arts

All even slightly suspicious lesions are routinely biopsied.

The New York Times

The manager, just slightly suspicious, called the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

The expression in his eyes was baleful, aloof, and slightly suspicious.

The New Yorker

He seemed startled, slightly suspicious, as if I were trying out some shady mind-reading game.

The New York Times

Translation gaffes work because we are still slightly suspicious of linguists.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

This is handy as I've already picked some rhubarb which I stumbled across, growing wild in the corner of my local park, but it's joined my growing pile of slightly suspicious-looking urban veg.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is your tone detached, amused, slightly cynical, suspicious, or more passionate?

WikiHow

He mentions a sliding glass door at Crowley's house that the police discovered slightly open — "Very suspicious in Minnesota in the winter," he told me.

The New Yorker

Jodhi May, as the poor governess, spends most of the 90 minutes looking furtive, suspicious and slightly demented, as well as scared of her own shadow.

The New York Times - Arts

What I find suspicious (or slightly disturbing) is that during this public demonstration of the robot, Panasonic didn't let it wash the hair of a human being but that of a dummy.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Slightly suspicious" is less accusatory than "very suspicious" or "highly suspect".

Common error

While generally acceptable, relying heavily on "slightly suspicious" in formal writing can weaken your argument. Opt for stronger, more precise language when appropriate. For example, use phrases like "potentially misleading" or "raises concerns" for impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly suspicious" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing a state of mild distrust or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase. It qualifies the degree of suspicion one might have.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly suspicious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to express a mild sense of doubt or mistrust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to qualify a noun, indicating that something is not entirely trustworthy. The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While widely applicable, more precise alternatives should be considered for formal writing to enhance clarity and impact. Given its prevalence in news and media outlets, it's a readily understood and accepted expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little skeptical

Uses 'little' instead of 'slightly', maintaining the same nuance of mild doubt.

somewhat doubtful

Changes the adjective to 'doubtful', emphasizing uncertainty rather than suspicion.

mildly skeptical

Replaces 'suspicious' with 'skeptical', focusing on a questioning attitude.

a bit wary

Uses 'wary' to suggest caution and a lack of complete trust.

rather distrustful

Employs 'distrustful' to highlight a sense of mistrust, intensifying the feeling.

a touch dubious

Substitutes 'suspicious' with 'dubious', implying uncertainty or doubtfulness.

somewhat leery

Utilizes 'leery' to convey caution and suspicion.

slightly apprehensive

Replaces 'suspicious' with 'apprehensive', shifting the focus to a sense of unease or anxiety.

somewhat cynical

Replaces 'suspicious' with 'cynical', suggesting a distrust of others' motives.

mildly unconvinced

Emphasizes a lack of belief or conviction, rather than direct suspicion.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly suspicious" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly suspicious" to describe a feeling or impression about something that seems not entirely right. For instance, "The timing of his resignation seemed "slightly suspicious"."

What's a good alternative to "slightly suspicious"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "somewhat doubtful", "mildly skeptical", or "a bit wary" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it better to say "a little suspicious" or "slightly suspicious"?

Both "a little suspicious" and "slightly suspicious" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the desired tone of the sentence.

When should I avoid using "slightly suspicious"?

Avoid using "slightly suspicious" in highly formal or legal contexts where more precise and definitive language is required. Opt for phrases like "potentially compromised" or "raises legitimate concerns" instead.